Product Description

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine dеrivativе with anticonvulsant, muscle rеlaxant, and anxiolytic propеrtiеs. It is markеtеd by Roche undеr thе tradе-namеs Klonopin in thе Unitеd Statеs, and Ravotril in Chilе. Othеr namеs likе Rivotril or Rivatril arе known throughout thе largе majority of thе rеst of thе world. Clonazеpam is gеnеrally considеrеd to bе among thе long-acting bеnzodiazеpinеs. Clonazеpam is a chlorinatеd dеrivativе of nitrazеpam and thеrеforе a nitrobеnzodiazеpinе.

Clonazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause seizures or symptoms of panic disorder.

Clonazepam is used to control certain types of seizures in the healing of epilepsy and for the treatment of panic disorders.

Clonazepam may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Clonazepam

Don’t use Clonazepam if you have any severe liver infection, of if you are affected by to Clonazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

Clonazepam may affect harm to an unborn baby, and may affect breathing or feeding problems in a newborn. But having a seizure during pregnancy could damage both the mother and the baby. Don’t start using Clonazepam during pregnancy without telling your doctor you are pregnant.

If you turn out to be pregnant while using this medicine for seizures, don’t stop using Clonazepam without your doctor's suggestion. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using Clonazepam.

Prior to using Clonazepam, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver infection, glaucoma, any breathing problems, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Don’t drink alcohol while using Clonazepam. This medicine can increase the effects of alcohol. This medicine may be habit-forming and should used only by the person it was prescribed for. Clonazepamshould never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medicine in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Before using Clonazepam

Don`t use Clonazepam if you have severe liver infections, or if you are allergic to Clonazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

Before using Clonazepam, tell your doctor if you are sensitive to to any drugs, or if you have:

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests to safely take this medicine.

Clonazepam may cause harm to an unborn baby, and may cause breathing or feeding problems in a newborn. But having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Don`t start using Clonazepam during pregnancy without telling your doctor you are pregnant.

If you become pregnant while using this medicine for seizures, Don`t stop using Clonazepam without your doctor's suggestion. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using Clonazepam.

Clonazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Don`t breast-feed a baby while using this medicine. The sedative effects of Clonazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are using this medicine. Clonazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Clonazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

How should I take Clonazepam?

Take Clonazepam exactly as it was prescribed for you. Don`t take the medicine in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may infrequently change your dosage to make sure you get the best results from this medicine.

Swallow the regular Clonazepam tablet whole, with a full glass of water.

To take the Clonazepam orally disintegrating tablet (wafer):

Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Don`t push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

Using dry hands remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.

Don`t swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Clonazepam should be used for only a short time. Don`t take this medication for longer than 9 weeks without your doctor's advice.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function may need to be tested on a regular basis. Don`t miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Don`t stop using Clonazepam or change your dose without first discuss to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop using the medicine all of a sudden. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Your doctor may also prescribe another seizure medicine for you to start while you are stopping Clonazepam.

Your symptoms may return when you stop using Clonazepam after using it over a long period of time. You may have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Clonazepam. Withdrawal symptoms may include tremor, sweating, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, and unusual thoughts or behavior.

Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Don`t take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Don`t drink alcohol while using Clonazepam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Clonazepam can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Clonazepam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects from Clonazepam:

confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;

unusual or involuntary eye movements;

weak or shallow breathing;

depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

chest tightness, fast or pounding heartbeats;

painful or difficult urination, urinating more or less than usual;

pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or

New or worsening seizures.

Less serious Clonazepam side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, spinning sensation;

memory problems;

tired feeling, muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;

slurred speech;

drooling or dry mouth, sore gums;

runny or stuffy nose;

loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;

blurred vision;

headache;

nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia);

skin rash; or

Weight changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Clonazepam?

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Clonazepam. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other seizure medications.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Clonazepam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Don`t start taking a new medicine without telling your doctor.